The present paper describes an optimized C++ library for the study of electromagnetics. The implementation is based on the Finite-Difference Time-Domain method for transient analysis, and the Finite Element Method for electrostatics. Both methods share the same core and are…

We report the orbital distribution of the trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) discovered during the Canada-France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS), whose discovery phase ran from early 2003 until early 2007. The follow-up observations started just after the first discoveries and extended until…

The response of a H-PDLC device is improved by means of a two-step method. First, component optimization—initiator system, crosslinker, and cosolvent—enables the diffraction efficiency of the hologram to be maximized. Second, the use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in combination with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone prevents…

The split-field finite-difference time-domain (SF-FDTD) method for one-dimensionally periodic structures is extended to include the coefficient-tensor description of second- and third-order nonlinear-optical media. A set of nonlinear equations related to the split-field values of the electric field is established. An…

We present an analysis of a series of four consecutive Chandra high-resolution transmission gratings observations, amounting to a total of 150 ks, of the Be X-ray source HD 119682 (=1WGA J1346.5–6255), a member of the new class of γ Cas…

An experimental apparatus was designed and built to allow students to carry out heat conduction experiments in hollow cylinders made of different materials, as well as to determine the thermal conductivity of these materials. The evolution of the temperature difference…

An approximate scheme for obtaining the period of a simple pendulum for large-amplitude oscillations is analysed and discussed. When students express the exact frequency or the period of a simple pendulum as a function of the oscillation amplitude, and they…

We calculate the rate at which a target located at the cathode of a glow discharge is sputtered. The calculation involves two steps: (1) evaluation of the energy distribution functions of ions and neutrals impinging on the target; and (2)…

We present UBV photometry of the highly reddened and poorly studied open cluster Berkeley 55, revealing an important population of B-type stars and several evolved stars of high luminosity. Intermediate-resolution far-red spectra of several candidate members confirm the presence of…

Reply to comment by L. Fenoglio-Marc et al. on “On the steric and mass-induced contributions to the annual sea level variations in the Mediterranean Sea”., This work is supported by the Spanish Science and Technology Ministry Project ESP2006-11357.